Here is a snapshot of the Cardinals’ last five games: – Thirty-six total runs scored

- Four wins including their first series win in Chicago since 2006.

- Albert Pujols hit ten RBI, including three home-runs in a 12-4 win against the Cubs.

- Jaime Garcia once again started a game and went at least six innings and gave up only two earned runs.

And where does all of this leave them? Still locked in a tie for first place with the Reds. The good news is the Cards have two games left against those Reds after pounding them 12-4 yesterday. The bats have woken up, and not just Albert Pujols. Right now their starting pitching is grooving too.

As I said before, they have two games left at home against the Reds. Then they have an off day and a home series against the lowly Brewers. To me that sounds like a recipe to keep on winning.

In other news, the Cardinals have called up infielder Aaron Miles from Double-A Springfield. Miles, who was cut by the Reds in the spring, played for St. Louis from 2006-2008. Manager Tony LaRussa says Miles will be in uniform tonight and tomorrow, but won’t start.

To make room for Miles the Cards sent outfielder Allen Craig to Triple-A Memphis, one day after calling him up. Sorry Allen.